The Car and Truck Fleet and Leasing Management Magazine

Volvo Adds Skype to its 90 Series Vehicles

Volvo Cars is introducing Microsoft's Skype for Business to its new 90 Series cars to streamline how drivers engage in meetings while operating a vehicle.

Microsoft’s productivity app will allow drivers to view their upcoming meetings and participant details, and join meetings via the large center display, according to the automaker.

“We’ve all been there. Sitting in the car trying to join a conference call. You either fumble with or drop your phone while trying to connect or you forget the long pin code to join. It’s not the best way to start an important call in the car. On top of all that your attention is not where it should be – on the road. With the addition of Skype for Business all that goes away,” said Anders Tylman-Mikiewicz, vice president of consumer connectivity services at Volvo Car Group.

The automaker implemented the technology to improve the productivity and safety of Volvo drivers, according to the company. The automaker is working with Microsoft and Ericsson, who provide cloud-based solutions for Volvo Cars, to further develop in-car productivity features.

“Skype for Business represents another big step forward for our in-car connectivity and communication offer. With the dawn of autonomous cars we see a future where flexible in-car productivity tools will enable people to reduce time spent in the office. This is just the beginning of a completely new way of looking at how we spend time in the car,” said Tylman-Mikiewicz.

Volvo said its partnership with Microsoft also includes the utilization of Cortana, Microsoft’s intelligent personal assistant, with the intention of adding features that will predict driver needs.